Firm behind 5G mast in Carnagat area ‘very disappointed’ following arson
The firm behind a controversial telecommunications mast which was erected in the Carnagat Road area of Newry say they are “very disappointed” that it has been vandalised in an arson attack.
It is believed blaze took place just days after it had been erected last week.
When the mast first appeared in the area there had been concerns aired on social media by residents in the area that they had not been consulted about it being erected.
However, planning permission had been granted by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council in August 2023, following an application in December of the previous year on behalf of Cornerstone UK, who describe themselves on their website as “the UK’s leading digital infrastructure services provider”.
A spokesperson for Cornerstone said they “understand that our mobile infrastructure impacts communities and can lead to concern about proposed developments”.
They continued: “We are very disappointed that the newly built base station in Newry was vandalised, the equipment was installed to provide improved coverage for local residents and visitors to the Daisy Hill Hospital.
"Prior to building the site extensive pre-application consultation was carried out with local elected representatives and a local Housing Association group, with no issues raised at that time.”
A document with supplementary information uploaded to the planning portal as part of the planning application on behalf of Cornerstone says that “pre-application consultation emails were sent the Ward councillors and MLAs for the area outlining the need for a new telecommunications site in this area”.
These were former councillors Michael Savage, Gary Stokes, Charlie Casey, Gavin Malone and Roisin Mulgrew, as well as Valerie Harte, who remains a Sinn Féin councillor for the Newry DEA.
Also contacted, according to the Cornerstone document, were MLAs William Irwin, Cathal Boylan, Liz Kimmins, Conor Murphy and Justin McNulty.
In the summary of outcomes on the same document it simply states: “No response”.
Cornerstone say that they ensure that all of their sites strictly adhere to the international safety guidelines as set out by ICNIRP (International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radio Protection). Below these Guideline levels there is no evidence of adverse health effects to any member of the public.
They also referred us to a website: https://www.mobileuk.org/5g-and-health which contains information about 5G.
A Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said that two appliances from Newry Fire Station attended the scene after receiving a call at 10.05pm on Tuesday, September 17.
"Firefighters were called to reports of an outdoor electrical box on fire on the Carnagat Road, Newry,” they said.
"Firefighters used two CO2 extinguishers and two dry powder extinguishers to extinguish the fire.
"The incident was dealt with by 12.13am and the fire is believed to have been deliberate ignition.”
A PSNI spokesperson said that their officers attended and it was established that this fire was as a result of arson.
Sergeant Neill said: “We are treating this fire, which caused extensive damage to this equipment as arson.
"Our enquiries are continuing today. We’d ask that anyone with information or who would have dash-cam or doorbell video footage covering this area contact us on 101 quoting 1792 17/09/24.”
A report can also be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/.